Astronaut Don Pettit has returned from a seven-month mission aboard the International Space Station, touching down in Kazakhstan on April 20 alongside two other cosmonauts. After 220 days of zero gravity, Pettit experienced severe physical effects upon re-entry, including “creaks and groans” and nausea.
In a press conference, Pettit described his condition as feeling like returning to Mother Earth, stating he didn’t look or feel well due to the sudden change from weightlessness. However, he was relieved to have some privacy during this moment, thanks to the camera crew.
Pettit’s life in space eliminated common issues such as neck and shoulder pain, as he didn’t get stuck in uncomfortable positions. He loves being in space, saying his body healed from any aches and pains, leaving him feeling like he was 30 years old again.
His return comes after fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who experienced delays bringing them back home. Pettit’s mission marked the end of a remarkable journey for the NASA astronaut, now 70 years old and the oldest active astronaut in NASA’s history.
Source: https://people.com/nasa-astronaut-don-pettit-speaks-out-after-appearing-unwell-following-return-to-earth-11725764